Introduction / Context:
A constitutional monarchy is a modern form of government that combines an inherited monarch with a written or unwritten constitution and elected institutions. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, and Sweden provide real world examples. This question asks about the kind of power a monarch holds in such a system. Understanding this difference between absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy is important in civics and world history because it shows how political power has been limited and shared over time.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The system described is a constitutional monarchy.
- There is a written or firmly established constitution.
- There are elected bodies such as a parliament or legislature.
- The question asks what power is provided to the monarch within this framework.
Concept / Approach:
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch position is defined and limited by the constitution or basic law of the state. The king or queen acts as head of state but does not have unlimited power. Instead, the monarch has only those powers that are granted by the constitution and usually exercises them under the advice of an elected government. This is very different from an absolute monarchy, where the ruler power is not effectively limited by law, and from older ideas of divine right, which claimed that the monarch authority came directly from God. Therefore, the correct answer must reflect the idea of limited, constitution based power rather than absolute or divine power.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Note the key phrase constitutional monarchy, which signals that a constitution limits the monarch.
2. Recall that in such systems, the constitution sets out who may do what, including the powers and duties of the monarch.
3. Compare this with absolute monarchy, where the monarch claims near total control over law and government.
4. Examine the options and look for the statement that says the monarch only has powers given by the constitution.
5. Reject options that talk about absolute power, divine right beyond law, or strange combinations such as power only for male rulers.
6. Select the option that clearly states that the monarch has only the powers that the constitution grants.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider practical examples. In many constitutional monarchies, such as the United Kingdom, the king or queen formally appoints the prime minister, signs laws, and performs ceremonial duties. However, these actions are guided by established rules and democratic conventions, not by personal will. The real political decisions are made by the elected parliament and cabinet. This pattern shows that power flows from a legal framework, not from absolute or divine claims. Therefore, the definition of constitutional monarchy fits the idea that the monarch holds only those powers given by the constitution.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Absolute power over parliament describes an absolute monarchy, not a constitutional monarchy.
Full power for kings but no power for queens is an incorrect and biased idea that does not describe the actual structure of modern constitutional monarchies.
A divine right of kings without legal limits is associated with older theories of monarchy that constitutional systems were created to replace or control.
Unlimited power over the military but no government role is unrealistic and does not match how modern constitutional states actually work.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse constitutional monarchy with absolute monarchy and assume that any king or queen must have total power. Others see the word monarchy and forget to pay attention to the modifying word constitutional. To avoid these mistakes, students should remember the simple rule: in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is limited by law and has only the powers written in or implied by the constitution. This concept helps them answer similar civics and history questions accurately.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is
Only the powers that are clearly given to the monarch by the constitution.
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